Contents
Description
Viola stagnina, commonly known as marsh violet, is a native plant of Europe and Asia. This perennial herb is a member of the Violaceae family and is widely known for its small and delicate flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Violaceae |
| Genus | Viola |
Appearance
Viola stagnina produces small, violet or white flowers that are only about 1 cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals and a small spur at the base. The leaves are heart-shaped with a rounded base and a pointed tip. They are about 2-4 cm long and have a slightly serrated edge. The plant typically grows to a height of 10-30 cm and has a spreading habit.
Care Guide
Viola stagnina is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Viola stagnina prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types as long as they are not too alkaline.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade but will produce fewer flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: Viola stagnina is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Viola stagnina is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by the following:
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant. Control them by handpicking or using slug bait.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange or brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soil. Avoid overwatering and ensure the soil is well-drained.
Habitat
Viola stagnina is found in wet meadows, bogs, and marshes throughout Europe and Asia. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Viola stagnina a good plant for a container garden?
A: Yes, Viola stagnina is a great plant for container gardens. It is easy to care for and produces beautiful flowers.
Q: Can Viola stagnina tolerate dry soil?
A: No, Viola stagnina prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate dry soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize Viola stagnina?
A: Fertilize Viola stagnina once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Viola stagnina attract bees?
A: Yes, Viola stagnina is a great plant for attracting bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Viola odorata
- Viola tricolor
- Viola cornuta
References
- “Viola stagnina.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 March 2022. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=283460&isprofile=0&basic=Viola%20stagnina.
- “Viola stagnina.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 22 March 2022. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/19433/Viola-stagnina/Details.
- “Marsh Violet.” Plantlife. Accessed 22 March 2022. https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/plant-fungi-species/marsh-violet.
